Can We Move from Fear to Excitement: Exploring AI’s Impact on Psychotherapy for Melanated Therapists

Outline

AI is rapidly transforming the world but what does this mean for psychotherapy? As technological advancements accelerate, how do we navigate this evolving landscape?

Join me on my journey from a self-confessed technophobe to an AI-curious therapeutic practitioner, now integrating AI into my therapeutic work through Gestalt concepts and looking toward the future.

🔹 Do you find yourself swinging between polarities from seeing AI as a force for good and fearing it as an inevitable human catastrophe?
🔹 Are you concerned about AI’s impact on surveillance, intellectual property, and ethical boundaries?
🔹 Would you like to understand the difference between AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and ASI (Artificial Superintelligence)?

This presentation invites reflection on how AI can be harnessed responsibly to support well-being while addressing systemic challenges such as racism and intersectional themes.

The 2-hour online workshop will offer a taster experience, exploring both the opportunities and challenges of AI in psychotherapy and ultimately, empowerment.

Aim of this workshop

🔹 Debunk AI Myths – Engage an interactive myth-busting exercise to challenge common misconceptions.
🔹 Understand AI Basics – Gain a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence, including key concepts like AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and ASI (Artificial Superintelligence).
🔹 Explore AI’s Global Role – Examine AI’s impact on society, drawing insights from thought leaders such as Mo Gawdat, Emad Mostaque, and Timnit Gebru.
🔹 Address Ethical Concerns – Discuss critical issues such as bias, surveillance, data privacy, and intellectual property.
🔹 Encourage Critical Thinking – Facilitate discussions on both the opportunities and risks of AI in mental health.
🔹 Demystify AI for Therapists – Help practitioners move from fear or resistance to curiosity by utilising The Gestalt Cycle of Awareness.
🔹 Examine Systemic Impact – Consider AI’s influence on societal issues, including inequality, algorithmic bias, and the digital divide.
🔹 Empower Practitioners – Equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to integrate AI into their practice while remaining vigilant and advocating for ethical implementation.

Who should attend the workshop?

This workshop is open to those of all heritages, who are therapy professionals, students and those in the helping professions.

Profits from this workshop will be donated to the BAATN Heart Hub for Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity and BAATN’s Mentoring Programme ‘Each One Teach One’.

Facilitator

Umaa Thampu

Venue

Online meeting via Zoom.

Zoom is free to download and use. For more information about Zoom click here.